EP3583307B1 - Fuel blending system and method - Google Patents
Fuel blending system and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3583307B1 EP3583307B1 EP17708363.1A EP17708363A EP3583307B1 EP 3583307 B1 EP3583307 B1 EP 3583307B1 EP 17708363 A EP17708363 A EP 17708363A EP 3583307 B1 EP3583307 B1 EP 3583307B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- fuel
- valve
- valves
- power generation
- generation unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims description 268
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 25
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 title claims description 24
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 claims description 87
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 50
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 39
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 33
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 3
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000295 fuel oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010865 sewage Substances 0.000 description 2
- 244000186140 Asperula odorata Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000008526 Galium odoratum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005431 greenhouse gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003915 liquefied petroleum gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 1
- TVMXDCGIABBOFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N octane Chemical compound CCCCCCCC TVMXDCGIABBOFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/0663—Details on the fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
- F02D19/0673—Valves; Pressure or flow regulators; Mixers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/08—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed simultaneously using pluralities of fuels
- F02D19/081—Adjusting the fuel composition or mixing ratio; Transitioning from one fuel to the other
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/0663—Details on the fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
- F02D19/0665—Tanks, e.g. multiple tanks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
- F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
- F02D19/0663—Details on the fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
- F02D19/0686—Injectors
- F02D19/0694—Injectors operating with a plurality of fuels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M37/0047—Layout or arrangement of systems for feeding fuel
- F02M37/0064—Layout or arrangement of systems for feeding fuel for engines being fed with multiple fuels or fuels having special properties, e.g. bio-fuels; varying the fuel composition
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
- F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
- F02M37/20—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines characterised by means for preventing vapour lock
Definitions
- Methane-rich waste fuel may be produced during the course of operating certain processing plants (e.g., garbage landfills and sewage treatment plants).
- certain processing plants e.g., garbage landfills and sewage treatment plants.
- some operators of such processing plants have installed power generating equipment powered by the methane-rich waste fuel and capable of generating electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy therefrom. Accordingly, the generated electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy may be used to power components of the processing plants.
- power generating equipment may be configured to operate based on other fuel supplies, such as pipeline fuels, in order to maintain sufficient electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy to the components of the processing plants.
- control systems utilizing a plurality of valves have been implemented to regulate the type of fuel supplied to the power generating equipment based at least in part on the operating conditions of the power generating equipment and the supply and/or composition of the methane-rich waste fuel and pipeline fuel.
- the power generating equipment In cases of transitioning the fuel supplied to the power generating equipment from methane-rich waste fuel to the pipeline fuel, or vice versa, the power generating equipment cannot be operated at maximum power due to undesirable exhaust emissions and the occurrence of knocking or misfiring based on the leakage of one or more of the valves utilized. In turn, the energy output of the power generating equipment is reduced, resulting in less electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy supplied to the components of the processing plants.
- D2 discloses a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine.
- the system comprises a fuel control valve metering fuel to the inlet of the engine.
- a first fuel of low quality is fed to the inlet of the engine through a first valve regulating the supply of the first fuel.
- a fuel mixture controller responds to output signal from a governor and adjusts the position of a second valve for regulating the supply of a second fuel of high quality.
- D3 ( WO95/35356 A1 ) discloses a method and an apparatus for recycling waste lubrication oil for reuse as fuel oil includes a fuel pump fluidly coupled to a source of fuel oil and fluidly feeding a flow meter which is electrically coupled to a control circuit.
- Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a fuel blending system for a power generation unit fluidly coupled to a first fuel source and a second fuel source.
- the fuel blending system may include a plurality of sensors, a first plurality of valves, a second plurality of valves, and a controller. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the power generation unit.
- the first plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit.
- the first plurality of valves may be fluidly coupled in series and include a first progressive valve configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint.
- the second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit.
- the second plurality of valves may include a second progressive valve configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint.
- the controller may be communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors, each valve of the first plurality of valves, and each valve of the second plurality of valves.
- the controller may be configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors, compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on the comparison, transmit an instruction to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable a first fuel from the first fuel source to blend with a second fuel from the second fuel source.
- Embodiments of this disclosure may further provide a power generation system.
- the power generation system may include a system load, a power generation unit, and a fuel blending system.
- the power generation unit may be configured to receive a first fuel from a first fuel source, a second fuel from a second fuel source, or a combination thereof and generate useful energy therefrom to power the system load.
- the fuel blending system may be operatively coupled to at least one of the power generation unit and the system load.
- the fuel blending system may include a plurality of sensors, a first plurality of valves, a second plurality of valves, and a controller. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to detect at least one operating parameter of at least one of the power generation unit and the system load.
- the first plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit.
- the first plurality of valves may be fluidly coupled in series and include a first progressive valve configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint.
- the second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit.
- the second plurality of valves may include a second progressive valve configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint.
- the controller may be communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors, each valve of the first plurality of valves, and each valve of the second plurality of valves.
- the controller may be configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors, compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on the comparison, transmit an instruction to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable a first fuel from the first fuel source to blend with a second fuel from the second fuel source.
- Embodiments of this disclosure may further provide a method for blending a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source.
- the method may include flowing the second fuel from the second fuel source through a second plurality of valves to a power generation unit.
- the second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively enable the second fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit.
- the method may also include opening a first shut-off valve of a first plurality of valves.
- the first plurality of valves may be configured to selectively enable the first fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit.
- the method may further include opening a first progressive valve of the first plurality of valves at a first rate to a first setpoint.
- the first progressive valve may be configured to gradually open at the first rate to the first setpoint.
- the method may also include opening a first flow control valve of the first plurality of valves.
- the first flow control valve may be configured to regulate an amount of the first fuel to be blended with the second fuel.
- the method may further include blending the first fuel with the second fuel to a form a blended fuel in an intake manifold prior to the blended fuel entering the power generation unit.
- first and second features are formed in direct contact
- additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of an exemplary power generation system 100, according to one or more embodiments.
- the power generation system 100 may include a fuel control system 102 operatively coupled to a power generation unit 104, and in some embodiments, a system load 106.
- the power generation unit 104 may include an engine 108 configured to drive the system load 106.
- the engine 108 may be an internal combustion engine having an inlet manifold 110, an exhaust manifold 112, and a combustion chamber 114 positioned therebetween.
- the engine 108 may be, for example, a multi-bank, in-line, or V-engine of any power output, naturally aspirated or turbo-charged.
- the system load 106 may typically be a generator; however, other loads or machines, such as, for example, compressors, pumps, or the like are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.
- the power generation system 100 may be in fluid communication with a plurality of fuel sources including a pipeline fuel source 116 and an alternative fuel source 118.
- the pipeline fuel source 116 may be a hydrocarbon well, a hydrocarbon storage tank, or a pipeline carrying hydrocarbons.
- the alternative fuel source 118 may be a landfill, a sewage treatment plant, or the like. Accordingly, the power generation system 100 may be powered by a pipeline fuel, an alternative fuel, or combinations (e.g., blends) thereof.
- the alternative fuel may be methane or a methane-rich fuel, such as, for example, biogas or landfill gas. In another embodiment, the alternative fuel may be syngas.
- the pipeline fuel may be a fossil fuel such as liquid petroleum or natural gas.
- the pipeline fuel source 116 may be located offsite from the power generation unit 104, the pipeline fuel may be often supplied from a third party, and thus, it may be desirable to power the power generation unit 104 via the alternative fuel as much as possible.
- the fuel control system 102 may be operatively coupled to the power generation unit 104, and as such, the fuel control system 102 may be configured to regulate the transitioning of fuel supplied to the engine 108 of the power generation unit 104 from the alternative fuel, to a blend of the alternative fuel and pipeline fuel, and to the pipeline fuel, or vice versa, while operating the engine 108 at maximum power while maintaining exhaust emissions and avoiding knocking or misfiring of the engine 108.
- the fuel control system 102 may include, amongst other components, a controller 120, a plurality of valves 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, and a plurality of sensors 134a-i.
- Each of the plurality of valves 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 and the plurality of sensors 134a-i may be communicatively coupled with the controller 120, such that information relayed from the plurality of sensors 134a-i to the controller 120 may be utilized to determine instructions sent to one or more of the plurality of valves 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 via the controller 120 to regulate the amount of pipeline fuel and/or alternative fuel received by the power generation unit 104.
- one or more of the plurality of valves 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 may send information (e.g., valve position) to the controller 120.
- at least two of the plurality of valves 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 may communicate in two directions with the controller 120, thereby being capable of sending information to and receiving information from the controller 120.
- Each of the fuel sources 116, 118 may be selectively fluidly coupled to the power generation unit 104 via the fuel control system 102.
- the pipeline fuel source 116 may be fluidly coupled with the power generation unit 104 via a Y-shaped intake manifold 136 and a series of lines 138a-c selectively fluidly coupled with one another via valves 122, 124, and 126 of the fuel control system 102.
- the alternative fuel source 118 may be fluidly coupled with the power generation unit 104 via the Y-shaped intake manifold 136 and a series of lines 140a-c selectively fluidly coupled with one another via valves 128, 130, and 132 of the fuel control system 102.
- the valve 122 may be fluidly coupled with the pipeline fuel source 116 via line 138a and may be operatively coupled to the controller 120 via a communication line 142. Although illustrated in a wired communication via the communication line 142, it will be appreciated that the valve 122 may communicate with the controller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment.
- the valve 122 may be referred to as a shut-off valve and may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the pipeline fuel source 116 and the power generation unit 104.
- valve 128 may be fluidly coupled with the alternative fuel source 118 via line 140a and may be operatively coupled to the controller 120 via a communication line 144.
- valve 128 may communicate with the controller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment.
- the valve 128 may be referred to as a shut-off valve and may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the alternative fuel source 118 and the power generation unit 104.
- each of the valves 122, 128 may be configured to operate in a fully-opened position or a fully-closed position via an instruction in the form of a digital signal sent by the controller 120.
- the valve 124 may be fluidly coupled with the valve 122 via line 138b and may be operatively coupled to the controller 120 via a communication line 146. Although illustrated in a wired communication via the communication line 146, it will be appreciated that the valve 124 may communicate with the controller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment.
- the valve 124 may be referred to as a progressive valve and may be configured to selectively gradually enable or prevent fluid communication between the pipeline fuel source 116 and the power generation unit 104.
- valve 130 may be fluidly coupled with the valve 128 via line 140b and may be operatively coupled to the controller 120 via a communication line 148.
- valve 130 may communicate with the controller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment.
- the valve 130 may be referred to as a progressive valve and may be configured to selectively gradually enable or prevent fluid communication between the alternative fuel source 118 and the power generation unit 104.
- each of the valves 124, 130 may be configured to gradually open or close during the transition of fuel supplied to the power generation unit 104 from the alternative fuel, to a blend of the alternative fuel and pipeline fuel, and to the pipeline fuel or vice versa. Accordingly, the valves 124, 130 may be set to open or close at a rate that may be changed during the opening or closing of the valves 124, 130.
- each of the valves 124, 130 may be a Globe Control Valve Type 3241 manufactured by Samson Controls Inc. of Baytown, Texas.
- the valve 126 may be fluidly coupled with the valve 124 via line 138c and may be further fluidly coupled with the power generation unit 104 via the Y-shaped intake manifold 136.
- the valve 126 may be operatively coupled to the controller 120 via a communication line 150. Although illustrated in a wired communication via the communication line 150, it will be appreciated that the valve 126 may communicate with the controller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment.
- the valve 126 may be referred to as an air fuel ratio (AFR) flow control valve and may be configured to selectively control the volume of pipeline fuel supplied to the power generation unit 104.
- AFR air fuel ratio
- valve 132 may be fluidly coupled with the valve 130 via line 140c and may be further fluidly coupled with the power generation unit 104 via the Y-shaped intake manifold 136.
- the valve 132 may be operatively coupled to the controller 120 via a communication line 152. Although illustrated in a wired communication via the communication line 152, it will be appreciated that the valve 132 may communicate with the controller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment.
- the valve 132 may be referred to as an air fuel ratio (AFR) flow control valve and may be configured to selectively control the volume of alternative fuel supplied to the power generation unit 104.
- AFR air fuel ratio
- each of the valves 126 and 132 may be intelligently controlled valves (e.g., smart valves) configured to control the flow of respective fuels into the power generation unit 104.
- each of the valves 126 and 132 may be a Tecjet or Raptor valve (hereafter, "Tecjet valve") manufactured by Woodward Governor Company of Fort Collins, Colorado.
- the valves 126 and 132 may be different Tecjet valves based on the fuel type. Further yet, different types of alternative fuel may call for different Tecjet valves depending on the type of alternative fuel provided.
- the plurality of sensors 134a-i of the fuel control system 102 may be operatively coupled to the controller 120 and may be utilized to sense or detect various operating parameters of the power generation unit 104 to determine the instructions sent to the valves 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 to thereby control the flow of pipeline and/or alternative fuel into the power generation unit 104.
- one or more of the sensors 134a-i may detect or sense various operating parameters including, but not limited to, inlet manifold pressure, inlet manifold temperature, exhaust manifold temperature, exhaust manifold pressure, engine speed, engine temperature, exhaust emissions, engine knock, engine load, engine timing, and engine coolant temperature.
- one or more of the sensors may detect or sense fuel pressure, temperature, flow rate, and composition of each of the pipeline fuel and the alternative fuel.
- one or more of the sensors 134a-i may be configured to sense or detect various operating parameters of the system load 106, and in the case of the system load 106 being or including a generator, one or more of the sensors 134a-i may sense or detect voltage, current, resistance, power, and frequency.
- the power generation unit 104 may include a mixer 154, a compressor 156, a turbocharger 158, a throttle 160, and an intercooler 162, as illustrated in Figure 1 .
- the mixer 154 may be fluidly coupled to the Y-shaped intake manifold 136 and may be configured to receive the pipeline fuel, the alternative fuel, or a blend thereof. Prior to entering the mixer 154, a combination of the pipeline fuel and the alternative fuel may be blended by mere contact with one another as the fuels pass through the Y-shaped intake manifold 136.
- the Y-shaped intake manifold 136 may include a venturi structure (not shown) to facilitate blending of the fuels.
- the fuel received therein may be mixed with air provided from an air source 164 and fed to the mixer 154 via line 166.
- the fuel and the air may be mixed together in the mixer 154 to form a fuel mixture.
- the mixer 154 may include a nozzle (not shown) and may be positioned upstream of the engine 108.
- the fuel mixture may flow into the compressor 156, which may be fluidly connected to and disposed downstream from the mixer 154.
- the compressor 156 may be configured to compress the fuel mixture to a pressure suitable for the combustion of the fuel mixture.
- the compressed fuel mixture may be fed to the intercooler 162, which may be positioned downstream of the compressor 156 and fluidly coupled thereto.
- the intercooler 162 may be configured to further cool the compressed fuel mixture prior to combustion.
- the cooled, compressed fuel mixture may be fed to the throttle 160, which may be positioned downstream of the intercooler 162 and the compressor 156, and upstream of the inlet manifold 110 of the engine 108.
- the throttle 160 may be configured to control the rate of the fuel mixture entering the inlet manifold 110.
- the controller 120 may be operatively coupled to the throttle 160 via a communication line 168.
- a bypass line 170 may extend from a first point 172 downstream of the mixer 154 to a second point 174 downstream of the intercooler 162 and upstream of the throttle 160.
- a bypass valve 176 may be fluidly connected to the bypass line 170 and configured to selectively direct the fuel mixture away from the compressor 156 and the intercooler 162.
- the controller 120 may be operatively coupled to the bypass valve 176 via a communication line 178. Although illustrated in a wired communication via the communication line 178, it will be appreciated that the bypass valve 176 may communicate with the controller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment.
- the inlet manifold 110 of the engine 108 may receive the fuel mixture provided thereto via the throttle 160.
- the fuel mixture may be injected into the combustion chamber 114 of the engine 108, where the fuel mixture may be combusted to produce useful mechanical energy, such as shaft rotation.
- the shaft rotation may drive the system load 106.
- the shaft rotation may drive a generator, whereby the generator may produce electrical energy to power components of the power generation system 100.
- the generator may be coupled to an electrical grid and may supply electrical energy thereto.
- Exhaust products from combustion within the combustion chamber 114 of the engine 108 may exit from the exhaust manifold 112 and enter into the turbocharger 158.
- the turbocharger 158 may convert a pressure drop in the exhaust products flowing therethrough to mechanical energy, which may be used to drive the compressor 156 via a rotary shaft 180 coupling the turbocharger 158 and the compressor 156.
- an exemplary operation of the power generation system 100 during the transition of fuel supplied to the engine 108 of the power generation unit 104 from the alternative fuel, to a blend of the alternative fuel and the pipeline fuel, and to the pipeline fuel, and vice versa will be disclosed. It will be evident from the following that the transition from a first fuel source, to a blend of the first fuel source and a second fuel source, and to the second fuel source may occur without reducing the power output of the engine 108 and without excessive exhaust emissions, engine knocking, or misfiring of the engine 108. In such a transition, the engine 108 may be initially operating on alternative fuel supplied via the alternative fuel source 118.
- each of valves 128, 132, and 134 may be open such that the engine 108 is operating at maximum power output, and each of the valves 122, 124, and 126 may be closed, thereby preventing pipeline fuel from the pipeline fuel source 116 from entering the engine 108.
- the transition may be initiated by one or more of the sensors 138a-i providing information to the controller 120 indicative of one or more operating parameters of the engine 108 and/or the system load 106.
- the operating parameters may be any operating parameter detectable by the one or more sensors 138a-i.
- the operating parameter may be fuel pressure.
- the controller 120 may receive the information indicative of the one or more operating parameters and may process the information in one or more processors (one shown 182) included therein.
- the processor(s) 182 may be programmed to compare the information received to a desired engine operating parameter, which may be manually or automatically stored in a database (not shown) accessible by the processor 182 or may be calculated by the processor 182 as programmed.
- the information received may be the fuel pressure of the alternative fuel, which may be determined by the processor(s) 182 to be less than the desired fuel pressure for the engine 108 to operate on alternative fuel at maximum power.
- the controller 120 may then determine from the comparison that an amount of pipeline fuel should be added to maintain the operation of the engine 108 at maximum power.
- the controller 120 may send respective instructions to the valves 122, 124, and 126.
- the controller 120 may send an instruction to the valve 122 to open.
- the valve 122 may be referred to as a shut-off valve, the instruction to open results in the valve 122 being fully-opened.
- the controller 120 may also send an instruction to the valve 124 to begin opening at a first or initial rate.
- the valve 124 may be referred to as a progressive valve, the valve 124 may begin to open at an initial rate to an initial setpoint.
- the controller 120 may further send an instruction to the valve 126 to open to provide pipeline fuel to the mixer 154 at a desired rate to provide a fuel mixture having the desired air to fuel ratio.
- the valve 126 may be an AFR valve
- the instruction to open the valve 126 may result in the valve 126 being configured to provide fuel to the mixer 154 at a desired rate.
- the controller 120 may send another instruction to the valve 124 to change the opening rate of the valve 124 to a second rate, which may be slower than the initial rate of opening of the valve 124.
- the first setpoint may be changed to a second setpoint.
- the controller 120 may send an additional instruction to the valve 126 to increase the AFR to reach a final desired rate of pipeline fuel provided to the engine 108, such that the engine 108 may be capable of operating solely on the pipeline fuel.
- the controller 120 may send respective instructions to the valves 128, 130, and 132.
- the controller 120 may send an instruction to valve 130 to begin to close at an initial rate.
- the controller 120 may send another instruction to the valve 130 to begin closing at a second rate at a specified time interval.
- the second rate may be faster than the initial rate of closing.
- the controller 120 may send additional instructions to valves 128 and 132 to close, thereby closing each of the valves 128, 130, and 132 and preventing the flow of alternative fuel to the engine 108.
- the engine 108 may be running solely on pipeline fuel and the transition may have occurred without reducing the power output of the engine 108 and without excessive exhaust emissions, misfiring of the engine, or engine knocking during the transition.
- the transition of fuel supplied to the engine 108 from the pipeline fuel to the alternative fuel will not be discussed in detail; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the operation thereof will be similar to the operation disclosed above.
- Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 200 for blending a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.
- the method 200 may include flowing the second fuel from the second fuel source through a second plurality of valves to a power generation unit, the second plurality of valves configured to selectively enable the second fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit, as at 202.
- the method 200 may also include opening a first shut-off valve of a first plurality of valves, the first plurality of valves configured to selectively enable the first fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit, as at 204.
- the method 200 may further include opening a first progressive valve of the first plurality of valves at a first rate to a first setpoint, the first progressive valve configured to gradually open at the first rate to the first setpoint, as at 206.
- the method 200 may also include opening a first flow control valve of the first plurality of valves, the first flow control valve configured to regulate an amount of the first fuel to be blended with the second fuel, as at 208.
- the method 200 may further include blending the first fuel with the second fuel to a form a blended fuel in an intake manifold prior to the blended fuel entering the power generation unit, as at 210.
- the method 200 may also include opening the first progressive valve of the first plurality of valves at a second rate to a second setpoint prior to the opening of the first flow control valve, the first progressive valve configured to gradually open at the second rate to the second setpoint, and the second rate being less than the first rate.
- the method 200 may further include detecting an operating parameter of the power generation unit via a sensor communicatively coupled to a controller, comparing the operating parameter detected by the sensor with another operating parameter via the controller, and transmitting an instruction via the controller to open at least one of the first shut-off valve, the first progressive valve, and the first flow control valve based on the comparison of the operating parameter detected by the sensor with the another operating parameter.
- the first shut-off valve, the first progressive valve, and the first flow control valve may be fluidly coupled in series between the first fuel source and the intake manifold, and the second plurality of valves may include a second shut-off valve, a second progressive valve, and a second flow control valve fluidly coupled in series between the second fuel source and the intake manifold.
- the first flow control valve may be a smart valve capable of sending information to the controller related to an operating parameter of the first flow control valve, and the first shut-off valve may be configured to be in a fully opened position or a fully closed position.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Output Control And Ontrol Of Special Type Engine (AREA)
Description
- Methane-rich waste fuel may be produced during the course of operating certain processing plants (e.g., garbage landfills and sewage treatment plants). In view of environmental concerns related to greenhouse gases and as a manner of cost savings, some operators of such processing plants have installed power generating equipment powered by the methane-rich waste fuel and capable of generating electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy therefrom. Accordingly, the generated electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy may be used to power components of the processing plants. However, as the supply and/or composition of methane-rich waste fuel may be inconsistent over time, such power generating equipment may be configured to operate based on other fuel supplies, such as pipeline fuels, in order to maintain sufficient electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy to the components of the processing plants.
- Based on the foregoing, control systems utilizing a plurality of valves have been implemented to regulate the type of fuel supplied to the power generating equipment based at least in part on the operating conditions of the power generating equipment and the supply and/or composition of the methane-rich waste fuel and pipeline fuel. Typically, in cases of transitioning the fuel supplied to the power generating equipment from methane-rich waste fuel to the pipeline fuel, or vice versa, the power generating equipment cannot be operated at maximum power due to undesirable exhaust emissions and the occurrence of knocking or misfiring based on the leakage of one or more of the valves utilized. In turn, the energy output of the power generating equipment is reduced, resulting in less electrical, mechanical, and/or thermal energy supplied to the components of the processing plants.
- D1 (
US 2009/287391 A1 ) discloses a fuel control system, which includes an electronic control system coupled to a pair of control valves for blending pipeline fuel with waste fuel at a blend ratio for controlling fuel flow to an internal combustion engine. - D2 (
US 5 911 210 A ) discloses a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine. The system comprises a fuel control valve metering fuel to the inlet of the engine. A first fuel of low quality is fed to the inlet of the engine through a first valve regulating the supply of the first fuel. A fuel mixture controller responds to output signal from a governor and adjusts the position of a second valve for regulating the supply of a second fuel of high quality. - D3 (
WO95/35356 A1 - D4 (
US 5 469 830 A ) discloses a system for blending two fuels of known characteristics to achieve instantaneous in-line change in the octane rating of fuel flowing to the engine. The blending system provides a means of precise in-line blending of two reference fuels in an on-board aircraft or land vehicle installation. - What is needed, therefore, is a system and method for transitioning the fuel supplied to the power generating equipment from methane-rich waste fuel to the pipeline fuel, or vice versa, while operating the power generating equipment at maximum power without excessive exhaust emissions and the occurrence of knocking or misfiring.
- The object is met by the independent claims. Further preferred embodiments are part of the dependent claims.
- Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a fuel blending system for a power generation unit fluidly coupled to a first fuel source and a second fuel source. The fuel blending system may include a plurality of sensors, a first plurality of valves, a second plurality of valves, and a controller. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the power generation unit. The first plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit. The first plurality of valves may be fluidly coupled in series and include a first progressive valve configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint. The second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit. The second plurality of valves may include a second progressive valve configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint. The controller may be communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors, each valve of the first plurality of valves, and each valve of the second plurality of valves. The controller may be configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors, compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on the comparison, transmit an instruction to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable a first fuel from the first fuel source to blend with a second fuel from the second fuel source.
- Embodiments of this disclosure may further provide a power generation system. The power generation system may include a system load, a power generation unit, and a fuel blending system. The power generation unit may be configured to receive a first fuel from a first fuel source, a second fuel from a second fuel source, or a combination thereof and generate useful energy therefrom to power the system load. The fuel blending system may be operatively coupled to at least one of the power generation unit and the system load. The fuel blending system may include a plurality of sensors, a first plurality of valves, a second plurality of valves, and a controller. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to detect at least one operating parameter of at least one of the power generation unit and the system load. The first plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit. The first plurality of valves may be fluidly coupled in series and include a first progressive valve configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint. The second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit. The second plurality of valves may include a second progressive valve configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint. The controller may be communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors, each valve of the first plurality of valves, and each valve of the second plurality of valves. The controller may be configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors, compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on the comparison, transmit an instruction to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable a first fuel from the first fuel source to blend with a second fuel from the second fuel source.
- Embodiments of this disclosure may further provide a method for blending a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source. The method may include flowing the second fuel from the second fuel source through a second plurality of valves to a power generation unit. The second plurality of valves may be configured to selectively enable the second fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit. The method may also include opening a first shut-off valve of a first plurality of valves. The first plurality of valves may be configured to selectively enable the first fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit. The method may further include opening a first progressive valve of the first plurality of valves at a first rate to a first setpoint. The first progressive valve may be configured to gradually open at the first rate to the first setpoint. The method may also include opening a first flow control valve of the first plurality of valves. The first flow control valve may be configured to regulate an amount of the first fuel to be blended with the second fuel. The method may further include blending the first fuel with the second fuel to a form a blended fuel in an intake manifold prior to the blended fuel entering the power generation unit.
- The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
-
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of an exemplary power generation system, according to one or more embodiments. -
Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for blending a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source, according to one or more embodiments disclosed. - It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.
- Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to." All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. Furthermore, as it is used in the claims or specification, the term "or" is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., "A or B" is intended to be synonymous with "at least one of A and B," unless otherwise expressly specified herein.
-
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of an exemplarypower generation system 100, according to one or more embodiments. Thepower generation system 100 may include afuel control system 102 operatively coupled to apower generation unit 104, and in some embodiments, asystem load 106. Thepower generation unit 104 may include anengine 108 configured to drive thesystem load 106. As shown inFigure 1 , theengine 108 may be an internal combustion engine having aninlet manifold 110, anexhaust manifold 112, and acombustion chamber 114 positioned therebetween. Theengine 108 may be, for example, a multi-bank, in-line, or V-engine of any power output, naturally aspirated or turbo-charged. Thesystem load 106 may typically be a generator; however, other loads or machines, such as, for example, compressors, pumps, or the like are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. - The
power generation system 100 may be in fluid communication with a plurality of fuel sources including apipeline fuel source 116 and analternative fuel source 118. In one or more embodiments, thepipeline fuel source 116 may be a hydrocarbon well, a hydrocarbon storage tank, or a pipeline carrying hydrocarbons. In one or more embodiments, thealternative fuel source 118 may be a landfill, a sewage treatment plant, or the like. Accordingly, thepower generation system 100 may be powered by a pipeline fuel, an alternative fuel, or combinations (e.g., blends) thereof. In one or more embodiments, the alternative fuel may be methane or a methane-rich fuel, such as, for example, biogas or landfill gas. In another embodiment, the alternative fuel may be syngas. The pipeline fuel may be a fossil fuel such as liquid petroleum or natural gas. In instances in which thepipeline fuel source 116 may be located offsite from thepower generation unit 104, the pipeline fuel may be often supplied from a third party, and thus, it may be desirable to power thepower generation unit 104 via the alternative fuel as much as possible. - As noted above, the
fuel control system 102 may be operatively coupled to thepower generation unit 104, and as such, thefuel control system 102 may be configured to regulate the transitioning of fuel supplied to theengine 108 of thepower generation unit 104 from the alternative fuel, to a blend of the alternative fuel and pipeline fuel, and to the pipeline fuel, or vice versa, while operating theengine 108 at maximum power while maintaining exhaust emissions and avoiding knocking or misfiring of theengine 108. To that end, thefuel control system 102 may include, amongst other components, acontroller 120, a plurality ofvalves sensors 134a-i. - Each of the plurality of
valves sensors 134a-i may be communicatively coupled with thecontroller 120, such that information relayed from the plurality ofsensors 134a-i to thecontroller 120 may be utilized to determine instructions sent to one or more of the plurality ofvalves controller 120 to regulate the amount of pipeline fuel and/or alternative fuel received by thepower generation unit 104. In addition, one or more of the plurality ofvalves controller 120. In one or more embodiments, at least two of the plurality ofvalves controller 120, thereby being capable of sending information to and receiving information from thecontroller 120. - Each of the
fuel sources power generation unit 104 via thefuel control system 102. In particular, as shown inFigure 1 , thepipeline fuel source 116 may be fluidly coupled with thepower generation unit 104 via a Y-shapedintake manifold 136 and a series oflines 138a-c selectively fluidly coupled with one another viavalves fuel control system 102. Correspondingly, thealternative fuel source 118 may be fluidly coupled with thepower generation unit 104 via the Y-shapedintake manifold 136 and a series oflines 140a-c selectively fluidly coupled with one another viavalves 128, 130, and 132 of thefuel control system 102. - The
valve 122 may be fluidly coupled with thepipeline fuel source 116 vialine 138a and may be operatively coupled to thecontroller 120 via acommunication line 142. Although illustrated in a wired communication via thecommunication line 142, it will be appreciated that thevalve 122 may communicate with thecontroller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment. Thevalve 122 may be referred to as a shut-off valve and may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between thepipeline fuel source 116 and thepower generation unit 104. Similarly, valve 128 may be fluidly coupled with thealternative fuel source 118 vialine 140a and may be operatively coupled to thecontroller 120 via acommunication line 144. Although illustrated in a wired communication viacommunication line 144, it will be appreciated that the valve 128 may communicate with thecontroller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment. The valve 128 may be referred to as a shut-off valve and may be configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between thealternative fuel source 118 and thepower generation unit 104. In one or more embodiments, each of thevalves 122, 128 may be configured to operate in a fully-opened position or a fully-closed position via an instruction in the form of a digital signal sent by thecontroller 120. - The
valve 124 may be fluidly coupled with thevalve 122 vialine 138b and may be operatively coupled to thecontroller 120 via acommunication line 146. Although illustrated in a wired communication via thecommunication line 146, it will be appreciated that thevalve 124 may communicate with thecontroller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment. Thevalve 124 may be referred to as a progressive valve and may be configured to selectively gradually enable or prevent fluid communication between thepipeline fuel source 116 and thepower generation unit 104. Similarly, valve 130 may be fluidly coupled with the valve 128 vialine 140b and may be operatively coupled to thecontroller 120 via acommunication line 148. Although illustrated in a wired communication via thecommunication line 148, it will be appreciated that the valve 130 may communicate with thecontroller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment. The valve 130 may be referred to as a progressive valve and may be configured to selectively gradually enable or prevent fluid communication between thealternative fuel source 118 and thepower generation unit 104. In one or more embodiments, each of thevalves 124, 130 may be configured to gradually open or close during the transition of fuel supplied to thepower generation unit 104 from the alternative fuel, to a blend of the alternative fuel and pipeline fuel, and to the pipeline fuel or vice versa. Accordingly, thevalves 124, 130 may be set to open or close at a rate that may be changed during the opening or closing of thevalves 124, 130. In an exemplary embodiment, each of thevalves 124, 130 may be a Globe Control Valve Type 3241 manufactured by Samson Controls Inc. of Baytown, Texas. - The
valve 126 may be fluidly coupled with thevalve 124 vialine 138c and may be further fluidly coupled with thepower generation unit 104 via the Y-shapedintake manifold 136. Thevalve 126 may be operatively coupled to thecontroller 120 via acommunication line 150. Although illustrated in a wired communication via thecommunication line 150, it will be appreciated that thevalve 126 may communicate with thecontroller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment. Thevalve 126 may be referred to as an air fuel ratio (AFR) flow control valve and may be configured to selectively control the volume of pipeline fuel supplied to thepower generation unit 104. Similarly,valve 132 may be fluidly coupled with the valve 130 vialine 140c and may be further fluidly coupled with thepower generation unit 104 via the Y-shapedintake manifold 136. Thevalve 132 may be operatively coupled to thecontroller 120 via acommunication line 152. Although illustrated in a wired communication via thecommunication line 152, it will be appreciated that thevalve 132 may communicate with thecontroller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment. Thevalve 132 may be referred to as an air fuel ratio (AFR) flow control valve and may be configured to selectively control the volume of alternative fuel supplied to thepower generation unit 104. - In one or more embodiments, each of the
valves power generation unit 104. In an exemplary embodiment, each of thevalves valves - The plurality of
sensors 134a-i of thefuel control system 102 may be operatively coupled to thecontroller 120 and may be utilized to sense or detect various operating parameters of thepower generation unit 104 to determine the instructions sent to thevalves power generation unit 104. In one or more embodiments, one or more of thesensors 134a-i may detect or sense various operating parameters including, but not limited to, inlet manifold pressure, inlet manifold temperature, exhaust manifold temperature, exhaust manifold pressure, engine speed, engine temperature, exhaust emissions, engine knock, engine load, engine timing, and engine coolant temperature. In addition, one or more of the sensors may detect or sense fuel pressure, temperature, flow rate, and composition of each of the pipeline fuel and the alternative fuel. Further yet, one or more of thesensors 134a-i may be configured to sense or detect various operating parameters of thesystem load 106, and in the case of thesystem load 106 being or including a generator, one or more of thesensors 134a-i may sense or detect voltage, current, resistance, power, and frequency. - In addition to the
engine 108, thepower generation unit 104 may include amixer 154, acompressor 156, aturbocharger 158, athrottle 160, and anintercooler 162, as illustrated inFigure 1 . Themixer 154 may be fluidly coupled to the Y-shapedintake manifold 136 and may be configured to receive the pipeline fuel, the alternative fuel, or a blend thereof. Prior to entering themixer 154, a combination of the pipeline fuel and the alternative fuel may be blended by mere contact with one another as the fuels pass through the Y-shapedintake manifold 136. In other embodiments, the Y-shapedintake manifold 136 may include a venturi structure (not shown) to facilitate blending of the fuels. - In the
mixer 154, the fuel received therein may be mixed with air provided from anair source 164 and fed to themixer 154 vialine 166. The fuel and the air may be mixed together in themixer 154 to form a fuel mixture. In at least one embodiment, themixer 154 may include a nozzle (not shown) and may be positioned upstream of theengine 108. After mixing, the fuel mixture may flow into thecompressor 156, which may be fluidly connected to and disposed downstream from themixer 154. Thecompressor 156 may be configured to compress the fuel mixture to a pressure suitable for the combustion of the fuel mixture. The compressed fuel mixture may be fed to theintercooler 162, which may be positioned downstream of thecompressor 156 and fluidly coupled thereto. Theintercooler 162 may be configured to further cool the compressed fuel mixture prior to combustion. The cooled, compressed fuel mixture may be fed to thethrottle 160, which may be positioned downstream of theintercooler 162 and thecompressor 156, and upstream of theinlet manifold 110 of theengine 108. - The
throttle 160 may be configured to control the rate of the fuel mixture entering theinlet manifold 110. As illustrated inFigure 1 , thecontroller 120 may be operatively coupled to thethrottle 160 via acommunication line 168. Although illustrated in a wired communication via thecommunication line 168, it will be appreciated that thethrottle 160 may communicate with thecontroller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment. In one or more embodiments, abypass line 170 may extend from afirst point 172 downstream of themixer 154 to asecond point 174 downstream of theintercooler 162 and upstream of thethrottle 160. Abypass valve 176 may be fluidly connected to thebypass line 170 and configured to selectively direct the fuel mixture away from thecompressor 156 and theintercooler 162. As illustrated inFigure 1 , thecontroller 120 may be operatively coupled to thebypass valve 176 via acommunication line 178. Although illustrated in a wired communication via thecommunication line 178, it will be appreciated that thebypass valve 176 may communicate with thecontroller 120 wirelessly in at least one embodiment. - The
inlet manifold 110 of theengine 108 may receive the fuel mixture provided thereto via thethrottle 160. The fuel mixture may be injected into thecombustion chamber 114 of theengine 108, where the fuel mixture may be combusted to produce useful mechanical energy, such as shaft rotation. The shaft rotation may drive thesystem load 106. In one or more embodiments, the shaft rotation may drive a generator, whereby the generator may produce electrical energy to power components of thepower generation system 100. In one or more embodiments, the generator may be coupled to an electrical grid and may supply electrical energy thereto. Exhaust products from combustion within thecombustion chamber 114 of theengine 108 may exit from theexhaust manifold 112 and enter into theturbocharger 158. Theturbocharger 158 may convert a pressure drop in the exhaust products flowing therethrough to mechanical energy, which may be used to drive thecompressor 156 via arotary shaft 180 coupling theturbocharger 158 and thecompressor 156. - Based on the foregoing disclosure, an exemplary operation of the
power generation system 100 during the transition of fuel supplied to theengine 108 of thepower generation unit 104 from the alternative fuel, to a blend of the alternative fuel and the pipeline fuel, and to the pipeline fuel, and vice versa, will be disclosed. It will be evident from the following that the transition from a first fuel source, to a blend of the first fuel source and a second fuel source, and to the second fuel source may occur without reducing the power output of theengine 108 and without excessive exhaust emissions, engine knocking, or misfiring of theengine 108. In such a transition, theengine 108 may be initially operating on alternative fuel supplied via thealternative fuel source 118. As such, each ofvalves 128, 132, and 134 may be open such that theengine 108 is operating at maximum power output, and each of thevalves pipeline fuel source 116 from entering theengine 108. - The transition may be initiated by one or more of the
sensors 138a-i providing information to thecontroller 120 indicative of one or more operating parameters of theengine 108 and/or thesystem load 106. The operating parameters may be any operating parameter detectable by the one ormore sensors 138a-i. For example, the operating parameter may be fuel pressure. Thecontroller 120 may receive the information indicative of the one or more operating parameters and may process the information in one or more processors (one shown 182) included therein. The processor(s) 182 may be programmed to compare the information received to a desired engine operating parameter, which may be manually or automatically stored in a database (not shown) accessible by theprocessor 182 or may be calculated by theprocessor 182 as programmed. For example, the information received may be the fuel pressure of the alternative fuel, which may be determined by the processor(s) 182 to be less than the desired fuel pressure for theengine 108 to operate on alternative fuel at maximum power. In such an example, thecontroller 120 may then determine from the comparison that an amount of pipeline fuel should be added to maintain the operation of theengine 108 at maximum power. - In an instance in which the comparison of the information received and the desired operating parameter(s) of the
engine 108 is determined by thecontroller 120 to warrant a transition of fuel supplied to theengine 108 of thepower generation unit 104 from the alternative fuel to the pipeline fuel, thecontroller 120 may send respective instructions to thevalves controller 120 may send an instruction to thevalve 122 to open. As thevalve 122 may be referred to as a shut-off valve, the instruction to open results in thevalve 122 being fully-opened. Thecontroller 120 may also send an instruction to thevalve 124 to begin opening at a first or initial rate. As thevalve 124 may be referred to as a progressive valve, thevalve 124 may begin to open at an initial rate to an initial setpoint. Thecontroller 120 may further send an instruction to thevalve 126 to open to provide pipeline fuel to themixer 154 at a desired rate to provide a fuel mixture having the desired air to fuel ratio. As thevalve 126 may be an AFR valve, the instruction to open thevalve 126 may result in thevalve 126 being configured to provide fuel to themixer 154 at a desired rate. - Before opening the
valve 126, thecontroller 120 may send another instruction to thevalve 124 to change the opening rate of thevalve 124 to a second rate, which may be slower than the initial rate of opening of thevalve 124. Correspondingly, the first setpoint may be changed to a second setpoint. By slowing opening thevalve 124 before opening thevalve 126, any leakage of the pipeline fuel flowing through thevalve 126 may be reduced, thereby slowing down the introduction of gas into theengine 108 and maintaining the exhaust emissions at a predetermined level, thereby avoiding a sharp increase in exhaust emissions. Thevalve 124 may continue to open until achieving a fully-opened position. After opening thevalves controller 120 may send an additional instruction to thevalve 126 to increase the AFR to reach a final desired rate of pipeline fuel provided to theengine 108, such that theengine 108 may be capable of operating solely on the pipeline fuel. - Accordingly, the
controller 120 may send respective instructions to thevalves 128, 130, and 132. Thecontroller 120 may send an instruction to valve 130 to begin to close at an initial rate. Thecontroller 120 may send another instruction to the valve 130 to begin closing at a second rate at a specified time interval. The second rate may be faster than the initial rate of closing. By closing the valve 130 at a slower initial rate, large jumps in the gas pressure may be avoided, which results in the avoidance of misfiring. Thecontroller 120 may send additional instructions tovalves 128 and 132 to close, thereby closing each of thevalves 128, 130, and 132 and preventing the flow of alternative fuel to theengine 108. Accordingly, theengine 108 may be running solely on pipeline fuel and the transition may have occurred without reducing the power output of theengine 108 and without excessive exhaust emissions, misfiring of the engine, or engine knocking during the transition. For the sake of brevity, the transition of fuel supplied to theengine 108 from the pipeline fuel to the alternative fuel will not be discussed in detail; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the operation thereof will be similar to the operation disclosed above. - Turning now to
Figure 2 with continued reference toFigure 1 ,Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting amethod 200 for blending a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source, according to one or more embodiments disclosed. Themethod 200 may include flowing the second fuel from the second fuel source through a second plurality of valves to a power generation unit, the second plurality of valves configured to selectively enable the second fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit, as at 202. Themethod 200 may also include opening a first shut-off valve of a first plurality of valves, the first plurality of valves configured to selectively enable the first fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit, as at 204. - The
method 200 may further include opening a first progressive valve of the first plurality of valves at a first rate to a first setpoint, the first progressive valve configured to gradually open at the first rate to the first setpoint, as at 206. Themethod 200 may also include opening a first flow control valve of the first plurality of valves, the first flow control valve configured to regulate an amount of the first fuel to be blended with the second fuel, as at 208. Themethod 200 may further include blending the first fuel with the second fuel to a form a blended fuel in an intake manifold prior to the blended fuel entering the power generation unit, as at 210. - The
method 200 may also include opening the first progressive valve of the first plurality of valves at a second rate to a second setpoint prior to the opening of the first flow control valve, the first progressive valve configured to gradually open at the second rate to the second setpoint, and the second rate being less than the first rate. Themethod 200 may further include detecting an operating parameter of the power generation unit via a sensor communicatively coupled to a controller, comparing the operating parameter detected by the sensor with another operating parameter via the controller, and transmitting an instruction via the controller to open at least one of the first shut-off valve, the first progressive valve, and the first flow control valve based on the comparison of the operating parameter detected by the sensor with the another operating parameter. - As provided in the
method 200, the first shut-off valve, the first progressive valve, and the first flow control valve may be fluidly coupled in series between the first fuel source and the intake manifold, and the second plurality of valves may include a second shut-off valve, a second progressive valve, and a second flow control valve fluidly coupled in series between the second fuel source and the intake manifold. Further, as provided in themethod 200, the first flow control valve may be a smart valve capable of sending information to the controller related to an operating parameter of the first flow control valve, and the first shut-off valve may be configured to be in a fully opened position or a fully closed position.
Claims (14)
- A fuel blending system for a power generation unit (104) fluidly coupled to a first fuel source and a second fuel source, comprising:a plurality of sensors (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i), each sensor (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i) configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the power generation unit (104);a first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit (104), the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) fluidly coupled in series and comprising a first progressive valve (124) configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint;a second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit (104), the second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) comprising a second progressive valve (130) configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint; anda controller (120) communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i), communicatively coupled via a first plurality of communication lines (142, 146, 150) to each valve of the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126), and communicatively coupled via a second plurality of communication lines (144, 148, 152) to each valve of the second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132), the controller configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i), compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on the comparison, transmit an instruction to at least one of the first progressive valve and the second progressive valve to enable a first fuel from the first fuel source to blend with a second fuel from the second fuel source.
- The fuel blending system of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) further comprises a first shutoff valve (122) configured to selectively enable or prevent fluid communication between the first fuel source and the first progressive valve (124), the first shutoff valve (122) being closed during sole operation of the power generation unit (104) with the second fuel from the second fuel source,
wherein in particular the second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) further comprises a second shutoff valve (128) configured to selectively enable or prevent fluid communication between the second fuel source and the second progressive valve (130), the second shutoff valve (128) being closed during sole operation of the power generation unit (104) with the first fuel from the first fuel source. - The fuel blending system of claim 1, wherein:the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) further comprises a first control valve (126) configured to control an amount of the first fuel being mixed with air in the power generation unit (104), andthe second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) further comprises a second control valve (132) configured to control an amount of the second fuel being mixed with air in the power generation unit,wherein in particular each of the first control valve and the second control valve is a smart valve capable of sending information to the controller related to an operating parameter of the smart valve.
- A power generation system (100) comprising:a system load (106);a power generation unit (104) configured to receive a first fuel from a first fuel source, a second fuel from a second fuel source, or a combination thereof and generate useful energy therefrom to power the system load (106); anda fuel blending system operatively coupled to at least one of the power generation unit (104) and the system load (106), the fuel blending system comprisinga plurality of sensors (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i), each sensor configured to detect at least one operating parameter of at least one of the power generation unit (104) and the system load (106);a first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the first fuel source and the power generation unit (104), the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) fluidly coupled in series and comprising a first progressive valve (124) configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint;a second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) configured to selectively prevent or enable fluid communication between the second fuel source and the power generation unit (104), the second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) comprising a second progressive valve (130) configured to gradually open or close to at least one predetermined setpoint; anda controller (120) communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i), communicatively coupled via a first plurality of communication lines (142, 146, 150) to each valve of the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126), and communicatively coupled via a second plurality of communication lines (144, 148, 152) to each valve of the second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132), the controller (120) configured to receive a detected operating parameter from a sensor of the plurality of sensors (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i), compare the detected operating parameter to another operating parameter, and based on the comparison, transmit an instruction to at least one of the first progressive valve (124) and the second progressive valve (130) to enable the first fuel from the first fuel source to blend with the second fuel from the second fuel source.
- The power generation system (100) of claim 4, further comprising an intake manifold (136) fluidly coupling the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) and the second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) with the power generation unit (104), the intake manifold (136) configured to blend the first fuel and the second fuel prior to the first fuel and the second fuel entering the power generation unit (104).
- The power generation system (100) of claim 4, wherein the power generation unit (104) comprises:a mixer (154) configured to mix at least one of the first fuel and the second fuel with air to create a fuel mixture;a compressor (156) in fluid communication with the mixer (154) and configured to compress the fuel mixture to form a compressed fuel mixture;a cooler (162) in fluid communication with the compressor (156) and configured to cool the compressed fuel mixture to a cooled compressed fuel mixture;an engine (108) comprising an inlet manifold (110), an exhaust manifold (112), and a combustion chamber (114) fluidly coupling the inlet manifold (110) and the exhaust manifold (112), the inlet manifold (110) configured to receive and direct the cooled compressed fuel mixture to the combustion chamber (114), and the combustion chamber (114) configured to combust the cooled compressed fuel mixture to form exhaust emissions; anda throttle (160) in fluid communication with the cooler (162) and the engine (108) and configured to regulate an amount of the cooled compressed fuel mixture directed to the inlet manifold (110) of the engine (108) from the cooler (162),wherein in particular the throttle (160) is communicatively coupled to the controller (120) and configured to regulate the amount of the cooled compressed fuel mixture directed to the inlet manifold (110) of the engine (108) based on one or more operating parameters detected by one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i).
- The power generation system (100) of claim 6, wherein:the power generation unit (104) further comprises a turbocharger (158) fluidly coupled to the exhaust manifold (112) and configured to receive the exhaust emissions generated in the combustion chamber (114) and to convert the thermal energy of the exhaust emissions to mechanical energy, the turbocharger (158) operatively coupled to the compressor (156) and configured to drive the compressor (156) via the mechanical energy; andthe system load (106) comprises a generator configured to supply energy to the power generation system (100) or an electrical grid electrically coupled thereto.
- The power generation system (100) of claim 4, wherein:the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) further comprises a first shutoff valve (122) configured to selectively enable or prevent fluid communication between the first fuel source and the first progressive valve (124);the first shutoff valve (122) is closed during sole operation of the power generation unit (104) with the second fuel from the second fuel source,wherein in particular:the second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) further comprises a second shutoff valve (128) configured to selectively enable or prevent fluid communication between the second fuel source and the second progressive valve (130);the second shutoff valve (128) is closed during sole operation of the power generation unit (104) with the first fuel from the first fuel source.
- The power generation system (100) of claim 4, wherein:the first fuel includes methane; andthe second fuel is natural gas or liquid petroleum.
- The power generation system (100) of claim 4, wherein:the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) further comprises a first control valve (126) configured to control an amount of the first fuel being mixed with air in the power generation unit, andthe second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) further comprises a second control valve (132) configured to control an amount of the second fuel being mixed with air in the power generation unit (104), wherein in particular each of the first control valve (126) and the second control valve (132) is a smart valve capable of sending information to the controller (120) related to an operating parameter of the smart valve.
- A method (200) for blending a first fuel from a first fuel source with a second fuel from a second fuel source, comprising:flowing the second fuel from the second fuel source through a second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) to a power generation unit (104), the second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) configured to selectively enable the second fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit (104);opening a first shut-off valve (122) of a first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126), the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) configured to selectively enable the first fuel source to fluidly communicate with the power generation unit (104);opening a first progressive valve (124) of the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) at a first rate to a first setpoint, the first progressive valve (124) configured to gradually open at the first rate to the first setpoint;opening a first flow control valve (126) of the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126), the first flow control valve (126) configured to regulate an amount of the first fuel to be blended with the second fuel;blending the first fuel with the second fuel to a form a blended fuel in an intake manifold prior to the blended fuel entering the power generation unit (104), and detecting an operating parameter of the power generation unit (104) via a sensor of a plurality of sensors (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i), each of said sensors (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, 134e, 134f, 134g, 134h, 134i) communicatively coupled to a controller (120), the controller (120) being communicatively coupled via a first plurality of communication lines (142, 146, 150) to each valve of the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) and being communicatively coupled via a second plurality of communication lines (144, 148, 152) to each valve of the second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132); andcomparing the operating parameter detected by the said sensor with another operating parameter via the controller (120); andtransmitting an instruction via the controller (120) to open at least one of the first shut-off valve (122), the first progressive valve (124), and the first flow control valve (126) based on the comparison of the operating parameter detected by the sensor with the another operating parameter.
- The method (200) of claim 11, further comprising:
opening the first progressive valve (124) of the first plurality of valves (122, 124, 126) at a second rate to a second setpoint prior to the opening of the first flow control valve (126), the first progressive valve (124) configured to gradually open at the second rate to the second setpoint, and the second rate being less than the first rate. - The method (200) of claim 11, wherein:the first shutoff valve (122), the first progressive valve (124), and the first flow control valve (126) are fluidly coupled in series between the first fuel source and the intake manifold; andthe second plurality of valves (128, 130, 132) comprises a second shut-off valve (128), a second progressive valve (130), and a second flow control valve (132) fluidly coupled in series between the second fuel source and the intake manifold.
- The method (200) of claim 11, wherein:the first flow control valve (126) is a smart valve capable of sending information to the controller (120) related to an operating parameter of the first flow control valve (126); andthe first shut-off valve (122) is configured to be in a fully opened position or a fully closed position.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2017/017907 WO2018151715A1 (en) | 2017-02-15 | 2017-02-15 | Fuel blending system and method |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3583307A1 EP3583307A1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
EP3583307C0 EP3583307C0 (en) | 2024-05-01 |
EP3583307B1 true EP3583307B1 (en) | 2024-05-01 |
Family
ID=58192372
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17708363.1A Active EP3583307B1 (en) | 2017-02-15 | 2017-02-15 | Fuel blending system and method |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10808631B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3583307B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN110730862B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018151715A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11835016B2 (en) | 2021-09-01 | 2023-12-05 | American CNG, LLC | Supplemental fuel system for compression-ignition engine |
Family Cites Families (31)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4594201A (en) * | 1984-04-16 | 1986-06-10 | Oliver V. Phillips | Multi-fuel system for internal combustion engines |
US5507307A (en) * | 1994-06-17 | 1996-04-16 | Montegari; Daniel F. | Method and apparatus for recycling waste lubrication oil for reuse as fuel oil |
US5469830A (en) * | 1995-02-24 | 1995-11-28 | The Cessna Aircraft Company | Fuel blending system method and apparatus |
US5911210A (en) * | 1997-10-03 | 1999-06-15 | Cooper Cameron Corporation | Method and apparatus for supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine |
DE10191817B4 (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2008-08-28 | Cummins, Inc., Columbus | Multi-mode motor and operating method |
US20020185086A1 (en) * | 2001-05-04 | 2002-12-12 | Paul Newman | Method of and system for fuel supply for an internal combustion engine |
ITMI20021793A1 (en) * | 2002-08-06 | 2004-02-07 | Landi Renzo Spa | SUPPLYING AND PERFECT CONTROL SYSTEM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE POWERED BY TWO DIFFERENT FUELS |
US20040177837A1 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2004-09-16 | Bryant Clyde C. | Cold air super-charged internal combustion engine, working cycle & method |
US20080121218A1 (en) * | 2004-12-13 | 2008-05-29 | Caterpillar Inc. | Electric turbocompound control system |
DK1969217T3 (en) * | 2005-11-26 | 2012-02-20 | Exen Holdings Llc | Combined multiple fuel injection system for internal combustion and turbine engines |
US7954479B2 (en) * | 2006-05-29 | 2011-06-07 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel supply device for gas engine |
US7469181B2 (en) * | 2007-01-29 | 2008-12-23 | Caterpillar Inc. | High load operation in a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine |
NL2002384C2 (en) * | 2008-03-03 | 2011-04-04 | Vialle Alternative Fuel Systems Bv | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR A COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH DIRECT INJECTION WITH TWO FUELS. |
CN102016275B (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2013-12-11 | 丰田自动车株式会社 | Multifuel internal-combustion engine |
US7823562B2 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2010-11-02 | Woodward Governor Company | Engine fuel control system |
GB2470725B (en) * | 2009-06-01 | 2013-09-11 | Gm Global Tech Operations Inc | Method for selecting fuel source for vehicle having a first fuel source and a second fuel source |
US20110232601A1 (en) * | 2010-03-25 | 2011-09-29 | Caterpillar Inc. | Compression ignition engine with blended fuel injection |
KR20130014569A (en) * | 2010-04-20 | 2013-02-07 | 디지씨 인더스트리즈 피티와이 엘티디 | A dual fuel supply system for a direct-injection system of a diesel engine with on-board mixing |
JP5682707B2 (en) * | 2011-05-17 | 2015-03-11 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Multifuel internal combustion engine control system |
DE102011088797A1 (en) * | 2011-12-16 | 2013-06-20 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel system |
US20130167810A1 (en) * | 2011-12-28 | 2013-07-04 | Caterpillar Inc. | System and method for controlling pressure ratio of a compressor |
US9097227B2 (en) * | 2012-01-31 | 2015-08-04 | Kanazawa Engineering Systems Inc. | Fuel supply control device for diesel engine |
US8903630B2 (en) * | 2012-02-08 | 2014-12-02 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Method and system for engine control |
US9194307B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2015-11-24 | Cummins Inc. | Multi-fuel flow systems and methods with dedicated exhaust gas recirculation |
WO2014193236A1 (en) * | 2013-05-30 | 2014-12-04 | Indopar B.V. | A bi-fuel system and a method for operating such a system |
US9464583B2 (en) * | 2014-02-06 | 2016-10-11 | Cummins Inc. | Cylinder pressure based control of dual fuel engines |
US9541035B2 (en) * | 2014-12-05 | 2017-01-10 | Denso International America, Inc. | EGR device having slidable valve |
US10100689B2 (en) * | 2015-03-27 | 2018-10-16 | Cummins Inc. | Systems and methods for desulfation of an oxidation catalyst for dual fuel engines |
US9745903B2 (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2017-08-29 | General Electric Company | Dual fuel system for a combustion engine |
US10487760B2 (en) * | 2016-04-14 | 2019-11-26 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | System and methods for reducing particulate matter emissions |
US20180171890A1 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2018-06-21 | Council Of Scientific & Industrial Research | Dual Fumigation Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (DF-HCCI) Engine |
-
2017
- 2017-02-15 EP EP17708363.1A patent/EP3583307B1/en active Active
- 2017-02-15 CN CN201780089667.5A patent/CN110730862B/en active Active
- 2017-02-15 WO PCT/US2017/017907 patent/WO2018151715A1/en unknown
- 2017-02-15 US US16/484,730 patent/US10808631B2/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN110730862B (en) | 2022-07-01 |
US20190390616A1 (en) | 2019-12-26 |
EP3583307A1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
EP3583307C0 (en) | 2024-05-01 |
CN110730862A (en) | 2020-01-24 |
WO2018151715A1 (en) | 2018-08-23 |
US10808631B2 (en) | 2020-10-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7823562B2 (en) | Engine fuel control system | |
CN104121115B (en) | Automatically controlled servo pressure-regulating formula natural gas engine auxiliary fuel supply-system and controlling method | |
EP2143915B1 (en) | Method and system for controlling gas engine system | |
US7082924B1 (en) | Internal combustion engine speed control | |
WO2012105076A1 (en) | Fuel gas supply method and device for gas engine | |
CN104074634B (en) | A kind of natural gas engine two-way gas supply system and method | |
CN203978644U (en) | Automatically controlled servo pressure-regulating formula natural gas engine auxiliary fuel supply-system | |
MXPA06010290A (en) | Fumigation system for a diesel engine. | |
JP4247191B2 (en) | Gas supply device and operation method for gas engine | |
KR20180028495A (en) | Dual fuel system for combustion engines | |
CN110230538A (en) | A kind of diesel oil ignited unit and its progress control method | |
EP3583307B1 (en) | Fuel blending system and method | |
JP4319481B2 (en) | Fuel gas supply and supply system for lean combustion gas engines | |
JP4653767B2 (en) | Power generation system control method | |
CN112523882B (en) | Fuel control method for gas engine air inlet pressure closed loop | |
CN202348436U (en) | Adjustable-gas-input dual-fuel generator set | |
KR20120059162A (en) | Engine unit and operating method of engine unit | |
US20190211757A1 (en) | Internal Combustion Engine Fuel Gas Blending System | |
EP2880287A1 (en) | Method of and a control system for controlling the operation of an internal combustion piston engine | |
US20160146141A1 (en) | Method of starting an internal combustion engine operated with a fuel-air mixture | |
Hristov | Dual fuel four stroke lean burn engine supercharging system operational features | |
EP3095994A1 (en) | System and method for supplying gaseous fuel to an engine | |
US20140290614A1 (en) | Engine control system and method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20190813 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20220719 |
|
RAP3 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: SIEMENS ENERGY ENGINES, S.A.U. |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: GUASCOR ENERGY, S.A. |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20231130 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602017081499 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
U01 | Request for unitary effect filed |
Effective date: 20240524 |
|
U07 | Unitary effect registered |
Designated state(s): AT BE BG DE DK EE FI FR IT LT LU LV MT NL PT SE SI Effective date: 20240604 |